Disposable curtain system, attachment therefor and method

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a disposable curtain system, attachment therefor and method. The disposable curtain system is for use in health care facilities to maintain a clean environment. An attachment for a curtain system having a hook on a track includes a plurality of extensions extending from the track and a plurality of post members affixed to the curtain or the plurality of extensions. Extensions and post members are selectively connected through a housing having a quick connect and release assembly. The quick connect and release assembly may be actuated by a force applied to an exterior of the quick connect and release assembly by a user and/or a tool applying a force to an exterior of the release assembly.

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/933,545 filed on Jul. 20, 2020 which disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a disposable curtain system, attachment therefor and method. In particular, is a disposable curtain system for use in health care facilities to maintain a clean environment.

BACKGROUND

Health care facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, doctor's offices, urgent care facilities, and long-term care facilities are becoming more and more concerned with infectious diseases being present. The COVID-19 pandemic is one major infectious disease that has brought attention to the public by the media to the concerns of cleanliness of health care facilities and other public spaces. In addition to COVID-19 are other infections diseases such as bacterial infection diseases like Anthrax, bacterial botulism, brucellosis, cholera, diphtheria, Lyme's disease, tuberculosis; fungal infectious diseases like aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis; parasitic infectious diseases like ascariasis, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, malaria, scabies; prion infectious diseases like Alper's syndrome, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, kuru; and viral infectious diseases like COVID-19, AIDS, chickenpox, Common Cold, Ebola, herpes, Influenza, mumps, rabies, rubella, viral meningitis, yellow fever and many more.

One location in the hospital that has a concern with infectious disease are the privacy curtains. Medical personnel will take many precautions such as washing hands, wearing gloves and wearing personal protection equipment. However, while wearing gloves they will grab the curtains with their gloved hands which may leave infectious diseases on the curtains due to contact with bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, mucous, phlegm, etc. In addition, patients which are surrounded by the curtain systems will cough, sneeze or perform other bodily functions which expel airborne liquids into the air surrounding their bed or private space.

Curtain systems for hospitals are generally attached to the ceiling. The curtains systems have a track which is affixed to the ceiling. Within the track are rollers with hooks. The curtains attach to the hooks.

A difficulty with this system is that the tracks and hooks are attached to ceilings that can be from 7 to 12 feet above the ceiling. This requires maintenance personnel at the hospital to use ladders or other stools to replace the curtains.

A further difficulty is when replacing the curtain system, the roller hooks in the track many times need to be crimped causing repetitive problems with the installer having problems with muscles and tendons due to repetitive installation of the curtains on the hooks.

Another difficulty is that the most curtain systems are not easily and quickly disassembled and require personnel to remove the curtains one hook at a time.

In the past, curtain systems required keyways such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,585,508.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a disposable curtain system, attachment therefor and method. An advantage is the ability to quickly attach a disposable curtain system to hooks on a pre-existing or installed curtain system.

Another advantage is once installed, there will be no need for health care personnel to climb on ladders or stools to reach the hooks for replacement of the curtains.

Another advantage is that health care personnel will not need to crimp the hooks.

Another advantage is removal and disposal of the curtains on a regular basis.

Another advantage is that a quick release and lock system is attached to the adjustable hanging portion or telescoping portion. The quick release and lock system may be usable by an installer/disassembler at approximately a height of 6-7 feet for easy installation and removal, it will have disposable curtain attachments that quickly attach and detach with a single or small number or movements during installation and disassembly.

An advantage is that the disclosed embodiments do not require a keyway or turning mechanism for installation of disposable hospital curtains as in the relevant art. Accordingly, various embodiments of the invention disclosed include:

an attachment for a curtain system having a track, comprising:

a plurality of extensions adapted to connect to the track via a plurality of sliding members;

a plurality of post members adapted to extend from one of a curtain or the plurality of extensions; and

a quick release system for connecting and disconnecting said plurality of post members from one of said curtain and said plurality of extensions, said quick release system comprising a mechanical release mechanism disposed within a plurality of housing members, wherein said plurality of post members are released from said housing by a force applied from a position external to said plurality of housing members.

The attachment may further comprise a release tool for imparting said force applied from a position external to the plurality of housing members.

Also disclosed are various embodiments of methods wherein the method includes:

a method for connecting and releasing a curtain system from a track, wherein said curtain system having a plurality of extensions connected to a track attached to a ceiling, a plurality of post members connected to one of said plurality of extensions and said curtain, and a plurality of housing members selectively connecting said plurality of post members to said plurality of extensions, wherein said method comprising:

providing a quick connect and release mechanism within each of said plurality of housing members;

connecting each of said plurality of post members to a respective one of said plurality of housing members;

providing a release tool for releasing each of said plurality of post members from a respective one of said plurality of housing members;

releasing each of said plurality of post members from said respective one of said plurality of housing members by applying a force from a position external to each of said plurality of housing members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a curtain system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a track and hook system with covering according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a roller hook;

FIG. 4 shows a hook and covering;

FIG. 5A shows an attachment being inserted onto a hook in a first position;

FIG. 5B shows an attachment being inserted onto a hook in a second position;

FIG. 5C shows an attachment being inserted onto a hook in a third position;

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A shows a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8B shows a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of a method;

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate one embodiment of the extensions affixed at a shortened length (L1 in FIG. 11) and an extended length (L2 in FIG. 12) relative to the hooks;

FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view of the extension of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the extension with numerals or other labels to mark the inner rod;

FIG. 14a illustrates an alternate embodiment utilizing a spring-actuated ratchet and pawl arrangement for the telescoping extension system of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the extension whereby the extension is formed as two discrete (non-telescoping) rods with a fastener therebetween;

FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged view of the extension of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 illustrates the fastener of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 illustrates the rod being affixed to the attachment;

FIG. 18a shows an embodiment of an extension member;

FIG. 18b shows another embodiment of an extension member;

FIG. 18c shows yet another embodiment of an extension member;

FIG. 18d shows a further embodiment of an extension member;

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternate embodiment for a quick connect and/or release system utilizing a mechanical latch arrangement;

FIG. 20 illustrates the latch mechanism of FIG. 19 in the connected position;

FIG. 20a shows a sectional view through lines 20 a in FIG. 20;

FIG. 21 illustrates a rear view of the system and the alignment mating tangs;

FIG. 22 illustrates a series of members forming the a quick connect and/or release system according to one embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternate embodiment for a quick connect and/or release system utilizing a mechanical latch arrangement;

FIG. 24 illustrates an alternate magnetic arrangement for the quick connect and release system according to this invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates the quick connect and release system of FIG. 24 in the connect position;

FIG. 26 illustrates an alternate embodiment wherein a wireless signal is used to disengage the curtain system;

FIG. 27 illustrates an alternate embodiment for a quick connect and/or release system utilizing a spring-biased connection disposed on the post member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the system of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 illustrates a further embodiment for a quick connect and/or release system utilizing a spring-biased connection disposed on the post member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 illustrates addition variations of the structure forming part of the quick release system described with respect to the FIGS. 27-29;

FIG. 30a illustrates a side view additional embodiment of the quick connect and/or release system;

FIG. 30b illustrates a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 30 a;

FIG. 30c illustrates an additional embodiment of the quick connect and/or release system;

FIG. 30d illustrates an additional embodiment of the quick connect and/or release system;

FIG. 30e illustrates the system of FIG. 25;

FIG. 31 shows a further embodiment of the quick connect and/or release system;

FIG. 32 shows a further embodiment of the quick connect and/or release system;

FIG. 33 shows a further embodiment of the quick connect and/or release system;

FIG. 34 the quick connect and/or release system of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 shows the connect mechanism of FIGS. 33 and 34;

FIG. 36a shows an alternate embodiment of FIGS. 33-35 in a first position;

FIG. 36b shows an alternate embodiment of FIGS. 33-35 in a second position;

FIG. 36c shows a front view of FIGS. 36a and 36 b;

FIG. 37 shows a side view of the attachment for the string or wire 1310 of FIGS. 36a -36 c;

FIG. 37a shows a front view of FIG. 37;

FIG. 38 shows a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 shows a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 40 shows another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 40A shows a front cutaway component of the embodiment of FIG. 40C;

FIG. 40B shows a side cutaway component of the embodiment of FIG. 40C;

FIG. 40C shows an embodiment of the embodiment of FIGS. 40A and B;

FIG. 40D shows a bottom cutaway of an alternate of FIG. 40C;

FIG. 41 shows a front view of another alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41a shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 41 a;

FIG. 41b shows a view of FIG. 41 in the engaged position;

FIG. 42 shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of the hook and attachment;

FIG. 42a shows the embodiment of FIG. 42 in an alternate positioning;

FIG. 43 shows an alternate embodiment of a quick release coupler; and

FIG. 43a shows a cutaway through 43 a-43 a in FIG. 43.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are various embodiments of the inventions. Referring to FIG. 1 is a disposable curtain system 100. The disposable curtain system 100 is attached to the ceiling 105 by a track 110. The track may be attached directly to the ceiling or hang from the ceiling on extensions. Running through the track 110 are roller hooks 120. The roller hooks 120 have a hook 125 on the end thereof for attaching an extension 140. So that the extension does not come off the hook 125, a cover 133 for the hook 130 is provided.

The extension 140 may be telescoping poles, poles that may be discreet sizes and interchanged depending on size needed, straps 139, which may include a buckle that may be adjusted for size or the strap may be cut, a string or wire that may be adjusted or cut. Since the extension will remain in place it is important that is easily cleanable for infectious diseases with an extension pole that has disinfectant. The material of the extension should not absorb liquids but should be made from a plastic such as polyvinyl, PVC, polyethylene or the like. The curtain 180 comes in discreet sections, such as 6-12 feet and most commonly 9 feet. The curtain sections may be snapped together with snaps 170, 172. The curtains are made from disposable recyclable material such as polyethylene.

Referring to FIG. 2, a track 110 is shown. The track is bolted, screwed, glued or otherwise attached to the ceiling. The track may also be on a hanging system and hang from the ceiling. The track 110 has an end piece 115 with snap connectors 116 for the end piece. Running inside the track are roller hooks 120 having rollers 122. Additionally, other types of arrangements other than rollers 122 may be used so long as the slide easily along the track guides 118. Extending from the rollers are an eyelet 123 to which the eyelet of the hook 124 is attached. Other arrangements may be envisioned such as chains and other extenders for the roller hook. Over each hook, a covering 130 is affixed for quickly attaching the attachment 130 to the hook 125.

Shown in FIG. 3 is a roller hook 120 having rollers 122. The eyelet 123 for the roller hook attaches to the eyelet 124 for the hook.

FIG. 4 shows a hook 125 and attachment 130. The hook 125 is attached to the eyelet 123 for the roller hook. 120. The hook 125 has a shank 126, a bend 127 and a point 128. The area between the shank 126 and the point is the gap 129. The hook 125 can be inserted into the attachment 130 having a covering 133 through a slot or opening 131 in the covering 133 at the first end 137. At the second end 138 of the covering 133 is an attachment section 132 for attaching the extension 140 or 139. In FIG. 4 is shown a strap made of durable strong polymer material for holding onto the attachment section 132. The attachment section 132 can be a loop, eyelet or other piece that is integral or separable from the covering 133. The attachment can be made various ways including milling, injection molded plastics or the like. Inside the attachment is device to hold the attachment to the hook such as a ramped nob, a pin, or other insert. The ramped nob 134 may include slots 136 and 137. The attachment 130 has a cover or covering 133 having a first section 143 covering a point, a second section 144 of the cover, covering at least a portion of a shank, and a third section 146 of the cover, covering a portion of a gap between the shank and the point.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B is shown the process for inserting the hook 125 into the attachment 130. Attachment 130 is a cutaway of lines 5-5 in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5A, the hook 125 is inserted into the slot 131. In FIG. 5B, the hook 125 engages and slides over the ramped nob 134. In FIG. 5C, the hook clicks into place.

FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment wherein a grommet 230 may be slid between the point 128 and the shank 126 into the gap 129 of the hook 125. The grommet 230 is held in place by the spring force of the hook 125. Extension 140 has a loop 141 that slides over the point 128 and rests in the bend 127.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment attachment 330. The attachment has two covering pieces 336 and 337 that are hinged together by hinge 335. The covering pieces 336 and 337 snap together with clips 333 and 334. The covering pieces 337 and 337 slightly go around the bend 127 of the hook 125 to hold the attachment 330 in place. An opening or gap 339 is at the bottom of the attachment 330 to allow the extension 140 to freely slide.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an alternate embodiment. In this embodiment an attachment 430 is shown have a covering with a female side 439 and a covering with a male side 438. The male side has clips 431 and 423 which insert into a hole 434. When clipped together a securement 433 such as a nob, pin, clip, cotter pin that engages the hook to prevent it from sliding.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment attachment 530 that has coverings held together by hook and loop fastener strap 531. 532 shows a section that is loops which fastens to a loop section 533 of a strap 531.

FIG. 10 shows a method which includes the step of providing 600 a covering as shown in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 4-9. Covering a point 610, at least a portion of a shank, and a portion of a gap between the shank and the point with said covering. Attaching 620 the curtain system to the covering.

FIGS. 11-18 illustrate various embodiments for the extension(s) 140 which, for example, may be formed as telescoping or adjustable poles. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate one embodiment of the extensions 140 affixed at a shortened length (L1 in FIG. 11) and an extended length (L2 in FIG. 12) relative to the hooks 130. Each extension 140 is formed with an inner rod 142, an outer sleeve, 144, and a retention clip 146. FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view of the extension 140 whereby the inner rod 142 is formed with a series of grooves 142 a distanced from each other at predetermined measure to determine the different fixed lengths of the extension as the inner rod 142 telescopes within the outer sleeve 144. The retention clip 146 is used to fix the inner rod within and relative to the outer sleeve 146 to determine the overall length of each extension 140. The retention clip 146 may be a clam-shell member or other fastener that fastens around the outer sleeve 144 to affix the inner rod 142 relative to the outer sleeve, thereby determining the overall length of the extension 140. FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the extension 140 with numerals or other labels 143 to mark the inner rod 142 with a relative length designation to assist the user in fixing the extension 140 to a particular length.

FIG. 14a illustrates an alternate embodiment utilizing a spring-actuated ratchet and pawl arrangement for the telescoping extension system of this invention. FIG. 14a illustrates various pawls 144 a formed in the inner rod 146 and a ratchet member 142 c provided on the outer rod 142.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the extension 140 whereby the extension 140 is formed as two discrete (non-telescoping) rods 142, 144 with a fastener 146 therebetween. FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged view of the extension of FIG. 15 showing the discrete apertures 142 a provided in the telescoping rod 142 to provide discrete and measured fastening points for the fastener 146, whereby the rod 142 is affixed to the rod 144 at discrete points relative to each other as shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 17 illustrates the fastener 146 of FIG. 16. The fastener 146 of the embodiment of FIG. 16 includes two clamping members 146 a, 146 b that snap or otherwise clamp together to affix the rod 142 relative to the rod 144. FIG. 17 illustrates a member 146 b that is formed as part of the rod 144 but it will be understood by those of skill in the art that the fastener 146 may be formed as a separate member apart from the rod 146. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the clamping member 146 a may be formed with snap clips that pass through the apertures 142 a of the rod 142 and into the clamping member 146 to affix the rod 142 relative to the rod 144. FIG. 18 illustrates the rod 142 being affixed to the attachment 130.

Returning to FIG. 1, on the opposite end of the extension is a quick connect and/or release system 150. Various embodiments of the quick connect and/or release are discussed hereinafter in FIGS. 19-39. At the end of the extension is a nob or holder 155 in which an elongate flexible member such as a wire or string 156 may be inserted for holding the curtain covering 160 in place. See also the embodiments of FIGS. 33-37 a hereinafter for more detail. The curtain holder has a button or dial. Inside the curtain holder, first side of the string or wire 156 is held permanently attached. When the quick connect and/or release system 150 is pushed together, the buttons 165 engage and release the second side of the string or wire 156 so that the curtains may be removed. The second side of the string is held in place by friction or a spring-loaded lock. Alternatively, a button may be used to release the second side of the string or wire 156 when it is rotated.

FIGS. 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d show various embodiments of the extension member 140 in the form of a strap, cord, string, or webbing. The material may made of various materials such as nylon, lyca, polyester, elastics or the like. FIG. 18a shows a buckle arrangement. A covering or attachment 130 is shown for covering the hook 125. The covering or attachment 130 is attached to the extension 800 with a loop 805. Extension member 800 is threaded through the loop 805 and buckled at the appropriate height with buckle 830. The extension member has holes 810 spaced apart with measuring lines or scores 820 to determine an equivalent height between extension member 800. FIG. 18b shows an alternate embodiment of the extension member 800 which uses a snap or clip 844. In this embodiment, A covering or attachment 130 is shown for covering the hook 125. A loop 840 attaches to the covering 130. A clip housing 845 attaches to the loop 840. Insertable into the clip housing 845 are clips or snap ends 848 and 849. A guide 848 is centered in the middle of the snap or clip. On the other end 860 of the snap or clip 844 are members or bars 861 and 862 for threading the extension member 800 using the end 870. On the extension member 800 are lines for demarcating the length of the extension member. FIG. 18 c shows yet an alternate embodiment of the extension member 800 which includes hook and loop fastener. A covering or attachment 130 is shown for covering the hook 125. The covering or attachment 130 is attached to the extension 800 with a loop 880. The hook portion of the strap 882 is attached to the loop section 883. FIG. 18d shows yet an alternate embodiment of the extension member 800 which includes perforated extension member. A covering or attachment 130 is shown for covering the hook 125. The covering or attachment 130 is attached to the extension 800 with a loop 890. In this embodiment the extension member 800 has the strap attached to itself with glue, hot melt, sewing or some other means. The extension member 800 has perforated portions 895, 896, 897, 898, and 899 which may be torn to reduce the length up installation.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternate embodiment for a quick connect and/or release system 150 utilizing a mechanical latch arrangement. In this embodiment, the curtain 180 includes a post member 260 that is selectively connected and released from a latch system 250 including a housing 265 affixed to an extension member 244. The housing 265 includes a latch 266 pivotably provided within the housing 265 such that the latch is biased, e.g., via a spring (not shown) to connect the housing 265 with the post member 260 when the post member is inserted into the lower opening 267 of the housing 265. FIG. 20 illustrates the latch mechanism of FIG. 19 in the closed position. FIG. 20 illustrates the latch mechanism of FIG. 19 in the connected or locked position. FIG. 20a is a section view through line 20 a-20 a of FIG. 20. On the back side of the latch 266 is a spring loaded pin 1267. When in the closed position, the spring 1269 forces pin 1267 through the hole 1268. To release the latch, extension pin 1266 pushes against spring loaded pin 1267 back into the hold 1268. When releasing the curtain system, all the housings may be pushed together at one time to release the latches 266 and ultimately the curtain 180. FIG. 21 illustrates a rear view of the system 150 and the alignment mating tangs 265 a, 265 b which are provided on the housing 265 in order that a series of housing members 265 may be aligned in a mating fashion when the mating tangs 265 a, 265 b mate with corresponding mating recesses 265 y, 265 z (see FIG. 20). With this structural arrangement, a series of housing members may be lined up side-by-side to facilitate ease of connection and release of the system 150 as detailed with reference to FIG. 22.

FIG. 22 illustrates an alternate embodiment wherein, a series of members forming the a quick connect and/or release system according to one embodiment of this invention. Additionally, FIG. 22 illustrates a quick release tools 270 which is utilized to disengage each of the quick connect latch members 266 provided in the housing members 265. The quick release tool 270 is formed to mate with corresponding release grooves 268 formed in the housing 265. In the embodiment of FIGS. 19-22, each housing 265 is formed such that the tool 270 may mate with a series of housings 265 and engage a release tang 269 to release each post member 260 by pivoting the latch 266 from a connect position (see FIG. 23) to a release position (see FIG. 19).

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19-22 shows a quick release mechanism where the tool 270 physically engages each release tang 269 provided in the housings 265 that may be aligned as shown in FIG. 22. In an alternate embodiment, the release tool 270 may employ magnetic actuation to cause the same release operation of the latch members 266. In this embodiment, the latch members 266 are metallic and designed to pivot in response to a magnetic force created by the release tool 270. The magnetic force generated by the tool 270 is sufficient to pivot each latch 266 and release each post member 260 from each housing 265. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that each release mechanism may be disengaged to release each post 260 individually or in series as shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternate embodiment for a quick connect and/or release system 150 utilizing a magnetic latch arrangement. In this embodiment, the curtain 180 includes a post member 260 that is selectively connected and released from a push-button latch system 350 including a housing 365 affixed to an extension member 344. With reference to FIG. 24, the housing 365 includes a latch 366 cantilevered and pivotably provided within the housing 365 such that the latch 266 is biased, e.g., via a spring action of the arm 366 a, to connect the housing 365 with a corresponding grooved portion 260 a of the post member 260 when the post member is inserted into the lower opening 367 of the housing 365. As shown in FIG. 32 a grouping of the housings may be temporarily held together by a magnet 368 shown if FIGS. 24 and 25. When a wand member 370 having a magnet 369 a is passed near the magnet 369, the magnets attract each other pulling of the arm 366 a to release the port member 260. FIG. 25 illustrates the system 150 of FIG. 24 in the connect position with the magnet 369 a on the wand 370 and FIG. 26 illustrates an alternate embodiment of FIGS. 23-25. In FIG. 26 a wireless receiver is used to obtain a signal 363 from transmitter 364 a. Upon receipt of the wireless signal 363, a switch or magnetic force is actuated to open the curtain system and release the curtains. Alternatively, the wireless transmitter 364 a may be a cell phone or other wireless device. A command may be given via an app to release the curtains, such as “Siri, please release the curtains” or “Siri please release curtain number 2”, etc. In this manner no human contact need be made with the curtain system.

FIG. 27 illustrates an alternate embodiment for a quick connect and/or release system utilizing a spring-biased connection disposed on the post member according to the present invention. FIG. 28 is a side view of the system of FIG. 27. As shown in FIG. 27, the post member 410 (similar to the post member 260 of FIG. 22) is connected to a housing 415 for a spring-biased quick release assembly with an upper connector 420 that may connect to the extension member (see extension of FIG. 1) and a lower curtain connector 430 that is fixed to the curtain (see curtain holder 160 of FIG. 1). Within the housing 415 is a spring-biased release assembly that is actuated by a release tool 430 that applies force “F” to spring-biased buttons 440 where the force “F” applied by the release tool 435 works against the force of spring clip 450 to release one of the upper connector 420 or the lower curtain connected 430 from the housing 415 thereby releasing the curtain 180 from the track 110 in accordance with this invention. The ends of the buttons 440 may be tapered such that a sleeve or tool 435 may be slip thereover.

FIG. 29 illustrates a further embodiment for a quick connect and/or release system utilizing a spring-biased connection disposed on the post member according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 29, the post member 510 (similar to the post member 260 of FIG. 22) is connected to a housing 515 including a spring-biased quick release assembly with an upper connector 520 that may connect to the extension member (see extension of FIG. 1) and a lower curtain connector 536 that is fixed to the curtain (see curtain holder 160 of FIG. 1). Within the housing 515 is a spring-biased release assembly that is actuated by a release tool 535 that applies force “F” to spring-biased lever 540 where the force “F” applied by the release tool 535 works against the force of coil spring 550 to push the housing 515 over the hole 516 thereby releasing the curtain 180 from the track 110 in accordance with this invention.

FIGS. 30a-c illustrates snap-connector tips 1106 that may be clicked or snapped into place in the hole 516 as shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 30a shows a side view of the snap connector with connector 431 connecting onto the curtain. Portion 432 may enclose a magnet 433. A cross bar 438 may be provided for alternative forms of attachment. FIG. 30b is a front view of the snap connector and FIG. 30c is an alternate embodiment of FIG. 30 b.

FIG. 30d is an alternative embodiment of a snap-connector. A strap 120 connects to a quick release body 1205 or housing. The quick release body 1205 includes a magnet 1285 so that as all the quick release bodies 1205 are corralled or grouped together they can be held for insertion and removal of the curtain system. Inside the quick release body or housing 1205 is a guide channel 1210 and on each side is one or more engagement holes 1207. A snap connector 1245 is adapted to engage with the quick release body 1205 and engagement holes 1207 by inserting the snap connector tips 1220 into the bottom opening 1211 of the quick release body 1205. As the snap connector tips are inserted, the compress slightly until the snap connector tips 1220 reach the engagement holes 1207. The snap connector tips may have a tolerance fit that assists in the side of the snap connector tips 1220 compression against the quick release body 1205. The snap connector tips 1220 shown have a wedge-shaped head 1221 with a barb 1222 to engage the engagement holes 1207. The snap connector tips 1220 are attached to stems 1223 which are made from a flexible material. The stems 1223 attach to a connector body 1240. On the outside of the connector body is a sleeve 1250 which slide back and forth along the connector body 1240. The connector body 1240 and sleeve 1250 may have various shapes in the cross-section such as square, round, hexagonal, parallelogram or the like. On the exterior of the sleeve 1250 are alignment features 1286, 1287. These features align with corresponding sleeves 1250 such that all sleeves may by attached together by a pushing motion and that all the sleeves may be slid upwards with movement 1270 to disengage all the snap connectors at once. In a curtain system, the quick release system have 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 or more quick release connectors. The method would include bunching, corralling or grouping the plurality of quick release bodies together and holding them by the alignment features 1286 and 1287, sliding the sleeve's 1205 upwardly and compressing the stems 1223, 1222 to disengage the snap connector tips 1220 from the engagement holes 1207. In order to facilitate the movement of the sleeve 1270, sleeve guides 1289 may be provided for holding a tool such as 535 shown in FIG. 29. So that the sleeve 1250 does not slide too far down the curtain, a stop 1260 is provided. It is envisioned that the sleeve 1250 may come such that the stems 1222, 1223 are pre-compressed for ease of insertion during assembly.

FIG. 31 illustrates an additional embodiment for a quick connect and/or release system 660 utilizing a pneumatic connection disposed with between the post member and the extension according to the present invention. Specific structure of the release assembly 660 is illustrated in FIG. 32 and set forth in the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,710 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, an O-ring 606 may be used with a sliding spring-loaded sleeve 605 which can engage with housing 630.

FIG. 32 shows yet an alternate embodiment with a snap-type connector 701. The connector has a thread 702 to attach to extension members. A spring 705 may be used for moving sleeve 717 back and forth. In the sleeve is a spring sleeve 706. Latch balls 709 may be placed in a ball recess 710 to grip the ball groove 718 of the plug body 715 as the plug tip 712 is inserted into the sleeve 717. Threads 720 may also be provided to attach to a curtain attachment or an extension member.

FIGS. 33-37 a show various embodiments of a curtain attachment quick release 1150.

Referring to FIGS. 33-35, attached to the curtain is a curtain attachment 1160. The curtain attachment 1160 may be attached to the curtain in a manner similar to that device shown in FIG. 8A. For example, a female side 439 and a male side 438 may be used. The male side has clips 431 and 423 which insert into a hole 434. The curtain attachment 1150 has an attachment housing 1160. The attachment housing 1160 has a side permanent 1161 to permanently attach an elongate device such as a wire, cable, string or other semi-rigid or flexible material 1156. The opposite side is releasable attached at 1162. The elongate device 1156 is preinstalled at both sides 1161 and 1162. When assembly the elongate member 1156 may be pulled through an appendage 1155 which attached to the end of an extension member 114. FIG. 35 shows the details of the release mechanism for the elongate device 1156. It can be held in place by a spring-loaded 1152 catch 1151. The catch will release the elongate device 1156 as it is pushed inwardly as shown by arrows A-B. The elongate member 1156 is inserted through a hole to hold it in place. When pushed toward A, the holes align and the elongate device 1156 is released.

FIG. 36 shows an alternate embodiment. The quick-release device 1300 has a housing 1315 with a push button 1307. The push button 1307 is biased with the spring 1317. When the button 1307 is pressed toward the housing 1315, holes 1315 and 1316 align. The elongate device 1310 may then be inserted into the holes 1315 and 1316. The spring 1317 may then be biased to push the button 1307 outwardly and unalign the holes 1315 and 1316 thus catching the elongate device 1310. On the housing 1315 are various alignment members 1320 and alignment holes 1305 for allowing the housings 1315 to align and be pushed together thus, pushing the buttons 1307 to align the holes 1315 and 1316 to release the elongate device 1310. As shown in FIG. 36c one side of the elongate member may be attached by a knot. Other known attachments may also be used such as a friction fit or the like. End 1333 of elongate device 1310 is show as being loose to allow quick release. Referring to FIGS. 37 and 37 a, when the quick-release device 1300 is attached to the appendage 1335, the elongate device 1310 is pulled downwardly to engage the nob 1330 and secure it in place. A magnet 1373 may be used to hold the housings 1341 to one another during assembly and release.

FIG. 38 shows an alternate embodiment to the present invention. In this embodiment a track 1705 is attached to a ceiling. Rollers or guides 1720 with hooks 1725 (See FIG. 3) run along the track. The hooks have covers 1730 that may be fit over them as shown in FIGS. 2-9. Extensions or extension member 1740 hang from the covers 1730 on the first end. Near the second end of the extensions are housings 1745 with magnets therein. On or proximate the second end of the extensions are connectors 1755 such as snaps, clips, hook and loop fastener, buttons. On the curtains are second connectors 1760 to receive the connectors 1755, thus holding the curtains 1700. The connectors 1755 and 1760 may be easily are readily used. The advantage of this system is so that hospital personnel need to climb on ladders or stools to under the disposable curtain system near the ceiling. The extensions 1740 may be made of soft material so as to not make noise during the opening and closing the curtains. It is important that minimal material be used for the extensions 1740 so as minimize the need for cleaning due to infectious diseases. Known systems use curtain material or mesh which can accumulate more surface area for the attraction of viruses, bacteria or the like. In other words, no material is present between each of the extensions to an elongate material, strand, strip, strap, web or the like is used which extends directly from the hook 1725, track 1705 or roller 1720 to the curtain 1700.

Similar to FIG. 38, FIG. 39 shows a curtain system 1701 which has minimal material between each of the extensions 1741 and uses an elongate material, strand, cable, strip, strap, web or the like which extends directly from the hook 1725, track 1705 or roller 1720 to the curtain 1700. For example, the elongate material may be aircraft cable. The aircraft cable may have a telescoping attachment or have a clamp that allows the cable to pull through to adjust the length of the cable. In this embodiment, near the second end of the extensions 1741 has a housing 1746 with a magnet therein. On the second end of the extension 1741 is a connector 1756 which connects with an opposing connector 1770. The connectors 1756 and 1770 may be various types of connectors such as hooks, threads, plugs, snaps, clips, crimps, hook and loop, magnets, button and hole, buckle and the like. A carabiner attachment may be used for example to spring load the connectors 1756 and 1770 together. A sleeve 1780 may be slid over both connectors to hold them in place.

Another embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 38-39 is illustrated in FIGS. 40-40 d. FIG. 40 shows a plurality of curtain connectors 1460 attached to a curtain. The connectors have a head 1465 that may be inserted into an opposing connector 1456. The head 1465 fits into an opening 1475 and drops due to gravity into the slot of hole 1470. Nobs 1477 may be used to hold the device in place. To remove the device, the process merely needs to be reversed.

FIG. 41 shows another embodiment of present invention 1500. In the quick-connect embodiment 1500, an extension 1540 is attached to a loop 1542 which holds quick-connect 1500. The loop 1542 is positioned so that the center of gravity is centered for the quick-connect 1500 as shown in FIG. 41a . The quick-connect 1500 has a body 1555 with a narrow section 1558 and a wide section 1559. The wide section 1559 has a channel 1554 and a plurality of holes, bores or openings 1557. A lower portion 1580 of the quick-connect 1500 has a first tine 1570 and a second tine 1571. An elongate portion 1520 of the lower portion 1580 includes a sleeve 1519 thereover. The top of the first tine 1570 has a rounded or wedge-shaped portion for sliding into the slot 1589. Alternatively, the elongate portion has a length such that it may be slid into the slot 1554 and pulled downwardly until it engages as shown in FIG. 41b . To disengage the quick-connect 1500, a sleeve 1519 may be slid upwardly to compress 1531, 1530 the Y-shaped extension 1572 to release the tines 1571 from the holes 1557. Alternatively, a tool 1523 may be used to move the sleeve 1519 upwardly when all the quick releases 1500 are grouped or corralled together. The lower portion 1580 is attached to the curtain at 1560.

Referring to FIG. 42 a cutaway of a housing 1631 is shown as an alternate attachment to a hook attachment 1630 for the hook 1625 to the roller 1620 in the track 1610. The housing 1631 has a reel 1632 for holding an elongate device 1635 such as a strap or webbing. The reel 1632 is spring loaded to allow for the elongate device 1635 to by pulled back in. A locking mechanism 1636 is shown. The locking mechanism may be moved up and down such as shown at 1638. Inside the locking mechanism 1636 is a wedge or other locking device to engage a roller 1634. In this manner, the elongate member may be extracted an appropriate distance based upon the markings 1640 on the elongate device 1635 as shown in FIG. 42 a.

FIG. 43 shows yet another alternate embodiment for a quick release device 1649. The device 1649 has a housing 1651 which includes a pull tab 1650 that may be moved in and out 1670 such as shown in the cutaway drawing FIG. 43a . When the tab 1650 is pushed in, it catches the curtain attachment extension 1653 in the slot 1654 on the head 1652. When pulled out, the tab 1650 releases the curtain attachment extension 1653.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the form of preferred embodiments and variations thereon, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and “comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements. The mention of a “unit” or a “module” does not preclude the use of more than one unit or module. 

1. An attachment for a curtain system having a track, comprising: a plurality of extensions adapted to connect to the track via a plurality of sliding members; a plurality of post members adapted to extend from one of a curtain or the plurality of extensions; and a quick release system for connecting and disconnecting said plurality of post members from one of said curtain and said plurality of extensions, said quick release system comprising a mechanical release mechanism disposed within a plurality of housing members, wherein said plurality of post members are released from said housing by a force applied from a position external to said plurality of housing members, wherein plurality of said housing members do not have a keyway or tool for a keyway for extending through said keyway.
 2. The attachment of claim 1, further comprising a release tool for imparting said force applied from a position external to said plurality of housing members.
 3. The attachment of claim 2, wherein the release tool imparts a magnetic force to said plurality of housing members to release said plurality of post members from said plurality of housing members.
 4. The attachment of claim 2, wherein the release tool imparts said force to a hinged latch disposed within each of said plurality of housing members to release said plurality of post members from said plurality of housing members.
 5. The attachment of claim 1, further comprising a button disposed on each said plurality of housing members for releasing said plurality of post members from said plurality of housing members, wherein a user imparts said force to said button.
 6. The attachment of claim 5, wherein said button is a spring-loaded actuator for engaging and disengaging a hook member within each of said plurality of housing members with a groove disposed on each of said plurality of post members.
 7. The attachment of claim 1, further comprising an opening on each of said plurality of housing members, each said opening adapted to receiving a respective one of said plurality of post members, wherein each said plurality of post members engages a respective latch disposed with each said plurality of housing members.
 8. The attachment of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of housing members is provided with at least one alignment tang and at least one associated alignment slot, said at least one alignment tang adapted to mate with an adjacent alignment slot to nest adjacent housing members with one another.
 9. The attachment of claim 1, wherein each said plurality of extensions is formed as a pair of telescoping rod members that mate with each other to provide an adjustable length for each said plurality of extensions.
 10. The attachment of claim 1, wherein each said plurality of extensions is formed as a pair of overlapping rod members that engage each other through a connector to provide an adjustable length for each said plurality of extensions.
 11. A method for connecting and releasing a curtain system from a track, wherein said curtain system having a plurality of extensions connected to a track attached to a ceiling, a plurality of post members connected to one of said plurality of extensions and said curtain, and a plurality of housing members selectively connecting said plurality of post members to said plurality of extensions, wherein said method comprising: providing a quick connect and release mechanism within each of said plurality of housing members; connecting each of said plurality of post members to a respective one of said plurality of housing members; releasing each of said plurality of post members from said respective one of said plurality of housing members, wherein plurality of said housing members do not have a keyway or tool for a keyway for extending through said keyway.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of applying a magnetic force to said plurality of housing members to initiate said step of releasing, said force being a magnetic force.
 13. The method claim 11, further comprising the step of engaging each of said plurality of housing members with said release tool thereby applying said force to initiate said step of releasing.
 14. The method claim 11, further comprising the step of mating said plurality of housing members with at least one adjacent housing member during said step of releasing.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the post members have a head on the end thereof.
 18. The attachment of claim 17, wherein the head of the post members attach to an opening of the housing
 19. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sliding members are a plurality of rollers.
 20. The method of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of rollers operatively attached to each of the extensions.
 21. The method of claim 11, wherein the post members have a head on the end thereon.
 22. The attachment of claim 21, wherein the head of the post members attach to an opening of the housing. 